Trent Bridge

General News | 25th August 2008

ICC Postponement Could See Key Players Return

Mick Newell could call on key players for domestic duty after the ICC Champions Trophy was postponed due to security concerns in Pakistan.

The tournament was scheduled to take place from 12-28 September but the postponement leaves England without a fixture between Wednesday 3 September and Sunday 9 November.

“It was fairly obvious that a lot of teams were uncomfortable about playing in Pakistan and it’s good to see that the ICC have taken the decision away from the individual nations,” said Newell.

“I’m not sure what the stance of individual players was but there are obvious security concerns and that have led to the decision to cancel the tournament.”

Ryan Sidebottom may not feature for Notts as he recovers from a groin injury but Samit Patel, Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad and Darren Pattinson, who were all in the provisional squad for the tournament, should be free to return.

“I haven’t spoken to England about specific players but we’re certainly hoping that they’ll be available for us,” said Newell.

“Other teams will be stronger as well and Durham could make use of Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood and Shivranine Chanderpaul but it would certainly be a boost for us at an important stage of the season.”